Compare & find the perfect palm router | top 5 buying guide

The right palm router, with the properties that are tailored to the projects in your woodworking workshop, will ensure that you can work efficiently and with a high return.

But how do you find that perfect compact router?
What should you pay attention to when buying a router?

The perfect router is not the same for everyone!
What is a good router for one woodworker, is not a suitable power tool for another woodworker. Choosing between the many compact routers on offer is a difficult job!

Fortunately, you ended up on this blog.
Here you will find out, in a very short time, everything about what palm routers are, and what they are used for.
This guide will help you on how to find the perfect palm router for your projects.

Most woodworkers, including myself, say that the palm router is one of the most versatile power tools in the woodworking workshop.
Once you see what a router can do for your projects, you can’t live without it.
So, let’s find out what is the perfect palm router for you!

Disclosure: At zero cost to you, I may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. I earn from qualifying purchases as an Amazon associate. Products featured are selected based on quality, performance, and reputation, regardless of affiliate relationships.

What is a router?

To start this blog you need to understand what a router is.
A router is a power tool that drives a fast-rotating cutting bit, sometimes up to 35,000 RPM.
The flat base of the router slides over the wood surface with the rotating blade extending beyond the base.
With this rotating knife, it is possible to hollow out certain pieces in the workpiece.
The distance at which the rotating knife protrudes is variable and will therefore determine the depth of the recesses.
You can make cuts with the router in materials such as wood and plastic.

There are three possible modes of operation:

• routers can be handheld,
• hung upside down in router tables,
• or mounted on a computer-controlled CNC machine. 

Because of the different types of router bits, that have a different finish, the router is seen as one of the most versatile tools in the woodworking workshop.

What is a palm router?

OK, now you know what a router is, but this blog is all about palm routers. So, you will need to know what a palm router is, and what is the difference with a plunge router?

A palm router is really just a small version of a wood router.
A palm router is often used to finish workpieces, to apply details, or to carry out smaller milling jobs.

Some of these routers even have the ability to control the speed at which the router bit rotates.

The depth at which milling is done can also be determined.

A big difference between a palm router and a plunge router, is that the plunge router has heavier motors and can drive larger milling bits.

What is a palm router used for?

A palm router is one of the most versatile tools in woodworking.
This is because of the many types of router bits available.

By choosing the router bit you can mill grooves, among other things, chamfer an edge, or create elegant edge profiles.

The range of available cutters is unbelievably large.
If you want to give a certain shape or profile to your workpiece, there is undoubtedly a router bit that can give you the desired result.

When you combine different milling bits with each other, you can create your own unique finishing profile.
Combining router bits will make the possibilities of a palm router become even greater.
Dare to experiment, the only limit to those possibilities will be your own creativity.

What to look for when comparing palm routers?

Okay, so you are looking for a palm router that best suits your wishes and needs, and can handle the projects you want to make.

In your search for the perfect palm router, you will see that there are many options offered by different brands.

So you will have to make your choice by comparing their properties.

The main features with which your palm routers can compare are:

• Speed control
• power
• weight
• basic style
• Soft start

Based on these properties, you can choose which router is most suitable for your workplace.

Speed control

Some brands offer variable-speed palm routers.
The advantage of this is that you can adjust the speed to the type of wood you want to process.
By using the correct speed, the wood will not burn or burn less quickly.
The speed is always shown in RPM (revolutions per minute)

Power

Power is perhaps the most important feature to consider when purchasing a palm router.
Power can ensure that you can work harder wood, but also the bits can work better and faster when they are driven with more power.

Weight

When you have to work with the compact router for several hours in a row, weight can play a very important role.

The lower the weight of this power tool, the longer you will be able to work with this palm router without fatigue.

Basic styles

There are two types of base styles available, a solid base and a base that plunge into the wood.

The fixed base is attached with buttons that hold the compact router in place that you have set.

The plunge is very handy for making grooves, for example.
The plunge allows you to make cuts in different steps to avoid burning.

Soft start

A smooth start ensures that you can always hold the router firmly in your hand. 
That smooth start will prevent the palm router tool to slip because of the enormous power.
So the palm router will start slowly and build up speed.

Compare & find the perfect palm router | top 5 best buy guide

Through the questions and answers above, you have learned what palm routers are and what they can do for you.
So, now you have to decide which router is best for your woodworking workshop.

To help you with that, you will find a selection of the 5 best compact routers below.
Based on their features, you can choose the best compact router tool with the functions you need for your projects, and that fits within your budget.

What palm router is the best?

Every woodworker will have different requirements when it comes to purchasing a compact router.
Price is also an important factor.

So, compare the properties of the best routers in this list with each other, and check for the most recent price via the buttons.

Based on this list and the properties of the routers, it should now be a simple job for you to determine which palm router is most suitable for your workplace.

Palm router	Speed	Power	Weight	Base style	Soft start	Check price
Makita RT0701CX7	10,000 – 30,000 RPM	1-1/4 Hp	3.9 Pounds 1.77 Kg	Fixed & plunge	Yes	Check price on Amazon
DeWalt DW618PKB	8,000 – 24,000 RPM	2-1/4 Hp	16.26 Pounds 7.37 Kg	Fixed & plunge	Yes	Check price on Amazon
Bosch GKF125CEPK	16,000 – 35,000 RPM	1-1/4 Hp	7 Pounds 3.17 Kg	Fixed & plunge	Yes	Check price on Amazon
Milwaukee M18	10,000 – 31,000 RPM	1-1/4 Hp	2.95 Pounds 1.33 Kg	Fixed	Yes	Check price on Amazon
Ridgid R22002	Unknown	2 Hp	9.58 Pounds 4.34 Kg	Fixed	Yes	Check price on Amazon

What is the best palm router – Conclusion

Congratulations! You are now equipped with the knowledge and insights needed to navigate the realm of palm routers thanks to these palm router reviews. We have explored what routers are and how they differ from palm routers, delving into their various uses and the incredible versatility they offer. Additionally, we have provided you with essential factors to consider when comparing palm routers, including speed control, power, weight, basic styles, and soft start functionality.

With our top 5 best buy guide, you have a curated selection of palm routers that excel in their respective features, enabling you to make an informed decision based on your specific requirements and budget. Remember, every woodworker has unique needs, so consider your preferences and projects when selecting your perfect palm router.

Now, armed with this newfound knowledge, you can confidently embark on your woodworking journey and harness the true potential of a palm router. Unleash your creativity, experiment with different router bits, and bring your woodworking projects to life with precision and finesse.

Want to take your woodworking knowledge even further? Master the device which powers your internet connection with our simplified “How to Use a Router – Easy 5-minute Starter Guide,” featuring useful tips, tricks, and safety measures to maximize your router’s capacity. Click the link below and explore new horizons in woodcraft!